Dependable, evergreen shrubs that can provide an effective screen or background plant. While most require moderate amounts of water in Sonoma and Marin counties, mock orange (P. tobira, 6-15’ x 6-15’) from Japan is perhaps the most drought-tolerant. Mock orange has a mounding form with whorls of oval leaves. Available in several sizes and with variegated leaves.

Examples: P. t. ‘Creme de Mint’ (2-3’ x 2-3’) is a compact form with white margined leaves; P. t. ‘Variegata’ (5-10’ x 5-10’) is a larger form with variegated leaves; and P. t. ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ (3-4’ x 4-6’) is a low-growing groundcover form.